Acting
Ambareesh
**Malavalli Huchchegowda Amarnath** (29 May 1952 – 24 November 2018), widely revered by his screen name **Ambareesh**, was a legendary Indian actor, playback singer, and politician who bestrode Kannada cinema and regional public life for over four decades. Affectionately hailed by millions of fans as *Rebel Star*, *Mandyada Gandu*, and *Kaliyuga Karna* for his fiery on-screen persona, charismatic swagger, and legendary real-life generosity, he stood as one of the towering cultural icons of Karnataka alongside Dr. Rajkumar and Vishnuvardhan. Born in Doddarasinakere near Maddur in the Mandya district of Karnataka, Ambareesh hailed from a distinguished lineage as the grandson of the renowned violinist and music maestro Pitambaram Chowdiah. Raised in Mysore, he was introduced to cinema by celebrated director Puttanna Kanagal, who discovered him and cast him as the defiant youth Jaleela in the classic *Nagarahavu* (1972). Ambareesh's portrayal made his cigarette-flicking style and signature punchline "Haavina Dvesha Hanneradu Varusha" instant pop culture sensations, immediately establishing him as a rebellious screen presence. Throughout the 1970s, he excelled in antagonistic and supporting roles across landmark films such as *Paduvaaralli Pandavaru* (1978), *Ranganayaki* (1981), and *Katha Sangama* (1976). His transition to a full-fledged action hero came in the early 1980s, driven by the massive commercial success of *Antha* (1981), where his hard-hitting performance as the honest cop Kanwar Lal exposed systemic corruption and earned him the enduring moniker *Rebel Star*. He went on to dominate the box office throughout the 1980s and 1990s with blockbusters including *Chakravyuha* (1983), *Elu Suttina Kote* (1987), *Olavina Udugore* (1987), *Hongkongnalli Agent Amar* (1989), *Hrudaya Haadithu* (1991), *Mannina Doni* (1992), and *Odahuttidavaru* (1994). In the latter half of his career, he seamlessly stepped into commanding patriarchal and authoritative figures, delivering memorable performances in films like *Diggajaru* (2001), *Kallarali Hoovagi* (2006), *Veera Madakari* (2009), *Drama* (2012), *Bulbul* (2013), and his milestone 500th theatrical appearance in *Kurukshetra* (2019) as Bheeshma. His cinematic contributions were recognized with multiple Karnataka State Film Awards, Filmfare Awards South, and the prestigious **Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award** in 2005. Parallel to his cinematic reign, Ambareesh built a formidable political career rooted in his native Mandya, serving as a three-time Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, and later as the Minister for Housing in the Government of Karnataka. Married to acclaimed actress Sumalatha Ambareesh, he remained the undisputed patriarch and conciliator of the Kannada film industry until his passing in Bengaluru in November 2018.
Filmography
Kurukshetra
Film · 2019
Ambi Ning Vayassaytho
Film · 2018
Rajasimha
Film · 2018
Doddmane Hudga
Film · 2016
Ambareesha
Film · 2014
Weekend With Ramesh
Series · 2014
Bulbul
Film · 2013
Katari Veera Surasundarangi
Film · 2012
Drama
Film · 2012
Matthe Mungaaru
Film · 2010
Veera Parampare
Film · 2010
Ee Preethi Yeke Bhoomi Melide
Film · 2007
Kallarali Hoovagi
Film · 2006
Thandege Thakka Maga
Film · 2006
Annavru
Film · 2003
Diggajaru
Film · 2001
Sri Manjunatha
Film · 2001
Vande Matharam
Film · 2001
Devara Maga
Film · 2000
Habba
Film · 1999
Operation Antha
Film · 1995
Karulina Kudi
Film · 1995
Kalyanotsava
Film · 1995
Odahuttidavaru
Film · 1994
Mandyada Gandu
Film · 1994
Musuku
Film · 1994
Suryodaya
Film · 1993
Midida Hrudayagalu
Film · 1993
Mysore Jaana
Film · 1992
Solillada Saradara
Film · 1992
Saptapadi
Film · 1992
Hrudaya Hadithu
Film · 1991
Garuda Dhwaja
Film · 1991
Rowdy & MLA
Film · 1991
Red Sun
Film · 1990
Uthkarsha
Film · 1990
Rani Maharani
Film · 1990
Aasegobba Meesegobba
Film · 1990
Mathsara
Film · 1990
Nammoora Hammeera
Film · 1990
Ranabheri
Film · 1990
Chakravarthy
Film · 1990
Kempu Gulabi
Film · 1990
Thrinethra
Film · 1990
Samsaara Nouke
Film · 1989
Jai Karnataka
Film · 1989
Hongkongnalli Agent Amar
Film · 1989
Indrajith
Film · 1989
Brahma Vishnu Maheshwara
Film · 1988
Sangliyana
Film · 1988
Arjun
Film · 1988
Praja Prabhuthva
Film · 1988
Vijaya Khadga
Film · 1988
New Delhi
Film · 1988
Ramanna Shamanna
Film · 1988
Thayigobba Karna
Film · 1988
Elu Suttina Kote
Film · 1987
Premaloka
Film · 1987
Nava Bharatha
Film · 1987
Inspector Kranthikumar
Film · 1987
Bazar Bheema
Film · 1987
Olavina Udugore
Film · 1987
Digvijaya
Film · 1987
Bedi
Film · 1987
Poorna Chandra
Film · 1987
Prema Kadambari
Film · 1987
Mr. Raja
Film · 1987
Anthima Theerpu
Film · 1987
Aapadbandhava
Film · 1987
Madhura Bandhavya
Film · 1986
Mrugaalaya
Film · 1986
Bete
Film · 1986
Brahmastra
Film · 1986
Preethi
Film · 1986
Vishwaroopa
Film · 1986
Sathkara
Film · 1986
Matthondu Charithre
Film · 1986
Chaduranga
Film · 1985
Masanada Hoovu
Film · 1985
Giri Baale
Film · 1985
Goonda Guru
Film · 1985
Guru Jagadguru
Film · 1985
Devarelliddane
Film · 1985
Aahuthi
Film · 1985
Mamatheya Madilu
Film · 1985
Shabash Vikram
Film · 1985
Devara Mane
Film · 1985
Amara Jyothi
Film · 1985
Sneha Sambandha
Film · 1985
Ganda Bherunda
Film · 1984
Sidilu
Film · 1984
Gajendra
Film · 1984
Naane Raja
Film · 1984
Onti Dhwani
Film · 1984
Guru Bhakti
Film · 1984
Kalinga Sarpa
Film · 1984
Rowdy Raja
Film · 1984
Mooru Janma
Film · 1984
Shapatha
Film · 1984
Onde Raktha
Film · 1984
Hosa Theerpu
Film · 1983
Chakravyuha
Film · 1983
Thirugu Baana
Film · 1983
Aasha
Film · 1983
Jaggu
Film · 1983
Avala Neralu
Film · 1983
Maththe Vasantha
Film · 1983
Maneli Ramanna Beedili Kamanna
Film · 1983
Geluvu Nannade
Film · 1983
Hasida Hebbuli
Film · 1983
Dharma Yuddha
Film · 1983
Tony
Film · 1982
Khadeema Kallaru
Film · 1982
Gaanam
Film · 1982
Shankar Sundar
Film · 1982
Prema Mathsara
Film · 1982
Maava Sose Savaal
Film · 1982
Snehada Sankole
Film · 1982
Ajith
Film · 1982
Ranganayaki
Film · 1981
Antha
Film · 1981
Snehithara Saval
Film · 1981
Avala Hejje
Film · 1981
Bhari Bharjari Bete
Film · 1981
Maha Prachandaru
Film · 1981
Leader Vishwanath
Film · 1981
Nyaya Neethi Dharma
Film · 1980
Vajrada Jalapatha
Film · 1980
Ondu Hennu Aaru Kannu
Film · 1980
Subbi Subbakka Suvvalali
Film · 1980
Dhairya Lakshmi
Film · 1980
Driver Hanumanthu
Film · 1980
Putaani Agents 123
Film · 1979
Savathiya Neralu
Film · 1979
Pakka Kalla
Film · 1979
Kamala
Film · 1979
Thai Meethu Sathiyam
Film · 1978
Paduvaaralli Pandavaru
Film · 1978
Priya
Film · 1978
Kudure Mukha
Film · 1978
Muyyige Muyyi
Film · 1978
Amarnath
Film · 1978
Kiladi Jodi
Film · 1978
Balu Aparoopa Nam Jodi
Film · 1978
Sneha Sedu
Film · 1978
Sirithanakke Saval
Film · 1978
Halli Haida
Film · 1978
Havina Hejje
Film · 1978
Nagarahole
Film · 1977
Dhanalakshmi
Film · 1977
Maagiya Kanasu
Film · 1977
Kumkuma Rakshe
Film · 1977
Chinna Ninna Muddaduve
Film · 1977
Mugdha Manava
Film · 1977
Manassinanthe Mangalya
Film · 1977
Banashankari
Film · 1977
Bangarada Gudi
Film · 1976
Hudugatada Hudugi
Film · 1976
Hosilu Mettida Hennu
Film · 1976
Kanasu Nanasu
Film · 1976
Shubhamangala
Film · 1975
Devara Kannu
Film · 1975
Bhagya Jyothi
Film · 1975
Naga Kanye
Film · 1975
Onde Roopa Eradu Guna
Film · 1975
Bili Hendthi
Film · 1975
Vishnu Vijayam
Film · 1974
Mahadeshwara Pooja Phala
Film · 1974
Chamundeshwari Mahime
Film · 1974
Zehreela Insaan
Film · 1974
Pookkari
Film · 1973
Bangarada Kalla
Film · 1973
Seetheyalla Savithri
Film · 1973
Naagarahaavu
Film · 1972